A small group gathered at Newark Cemetery for a moving ceremony to remember the fallen (Thursday, April 25).
Today is ANZAC Day — observed in Australia and New Zealand and is the Antipodean equivalent of Remembrance Sunday and serving as a reminder of those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
It acknowledges the contributions and suffering of all who have served - and a dozen people, including several Australians, met and raised the flags of both nations in a ceremony that was organised by former Newark Mayor, Mr Laurence Gough.
The ode of remembrance was read by Newark’s deputy mayor Diane Ledger and the last post was played after followed by a minute’s silence and the sounding of reveille.
Afterwards, people went inside the chapel for tea and ANZAC biscuits - a traditional treat made from rolled oats and other ingredients.
There are four Australians and three New Zealand service personnel buried at Newark Cemetery.
The term ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.
The day is observed on April 25 each year - marking the anniversary of the first major military action fought by the Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War.
This event was the landing of the ANZAC forces at Gallipoli — in modern day Turkey — on April 25, 1915 who fought alongside British, French, Irish, and Indian Troops, as well as a contingent from Newfoundland in Canada.
The Gallipoli campaign was an attempt to capture the peninsula and open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies.
Despite sustaining heavy losses, ANZAC troops earned a reputation for their valiant fighting.
The day was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916 and has since been broadened to honour all who served and died in the First World War and subsequent conflicts.
ANZAC Day is marked by various observances such as dawn services, commemorative marches and remembrance ceremonies all over the world. It remains one of the most important national occasions of both countries.
